Cast & Creative

West End: Trimmingham in The Go-Between; The Producers original London cast; Phantom of the Opera; Snoopy! UK Regional Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady (NT/Cameron Mackintosh),Twelfth Night, By Jeeves, Don Giovanni, Over My Shoulder. Europe: Magaldi in Evita. US Tour: Captain Hook in Peter Pan 360. Film: Brideshead Revisited, Bright Young Things. Twitter: @carlilestephen Instagram: @carlile1

Is excited to rejoin The Broadway Company of The Lion King after traveling with The National Tour, during which time he had the honor of performing at The White House. NYC/Regional: Ataria, Cutman, G word, Miss Saigon, Songs For A New World, Godspell, A Chorus Line, Film and Television: “The Electric Company” (Leo Watson), “Last of The Ninth” (HBO Pilot), Made For Each Other, Expiration Date, Game Over. Always for Granny and Boogie. Twitter/Instagram @lsteventaylor

Tshidi toured Europe and Japan with M. Bongeni Ngema in the hit musical Sarafina. Other stage credits: Rafiki in the Broadway and Toronto productions of The Lion King, Daughter of Nebo by Hillary Bletcher, Mfowethu by Gibson Kente, The Stick by Aubrey Sekhabi. Honored to have performed with legendary artists such as Paul Simon, David Byrne, Hugh Masekela, Jabu Khanyile, Vusi Mahlasela. Album: Sisters of Joy. Thank you God.

Broadway Tour: The Lion King, War Horse. Off Broadway: The Mint. Regional: Denver Center, The Rep St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, TheaterWorks Hartford, City Theatre Company, Barrington Stage Company, Two River Theater. NY: American Globe Theatre. Television: “Chicago Fire.” BFA: Marymount Manhattan College. All my love to Kate and my parents. www.NickLaMedica.com. www.NickLaMedica.com

Ben is pumped to be making his Broadway debut! Ben holds an MFA (Acting) from Rutgers University, where credits included Antigone, Romeo and Juliet, In the Sawtooths and more. His BFA (Acting/Musical Theatre) is from Abilene Christian University, where credits included Jane Eyre and Seussical. TV: “The Good Wife,” “Louie.” Endless thanks to God, his incomparable wife and the family.

Broadway: The Lion King.  Off-Broadway: The Normal Heart, Shockheaded Peter, Bury the Dead, Room Service, The Vocal Lords.  Regional: NSMT, Paper Mill, Geva, New Repertory, Cleveland Playhouse. Tours: The Buddy Holly Story, White Christmas. Film/TV: Putzel, Twelve Thirty, A Very Special Episode,  “New Amsterdam,” “Forever,” “Smash,” “L&O,” “L&O: CI,” “Daily Pops,” “All My Children.” Directing: Trans Am (Keegan Theatre). Podcasts: Opening Weekend. Award-winning narrator of over 300 audio books. Love to Kate, Benjamin and Isabella! For Mom and Dad.

Broadway debut! Vincent has performed around the world in multiple companies of Hamilton (including in Puerto Rico alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda) playing the roles of Hamilton, Burr, Lafayette/Jefferson, George Washington and KGIII. Off Broadway: White Girl in Danger; Regional: Passing Strange, In the Heights, The Great Society, Hairspray; TV/Film: “Chicago Med” (NBC), “Shots Fired” (FOX), and “American Crime” (ABC). IG: @_vincentjamalhooper. If you’re reading this — thank you.

From Durban South Africa, Pearl performed in The Lion King Madrid (2016-2018). She also toured with the KZN Youth Choir (2012-2015) competing in Poland and Italy where she won best female soloist in the Florence International Choir Festival (2013).

James Brown-Orleans originated the role of Banzai on The Lion King Gazelle Tour and is thrilled to be part of the Broadway company. James can be seen as Doc Motors in Disney’s The Princess Diaries. He is also the founder of Protected by Imagination Inc. “media to inspire.” Check out his website to find out more about his passion to empower.

A native of Montgomery, AL. Bonita is a proud graduate of Alabama State University and Brandeis University (MFA). She is overjoyed and grateful to be a part of this talented cast. Credits: NYC/ Regional: Mandela the Musical (staged reading), The Color Purple (workshop), Guys and Dolls, The Piano Lesson, The Old Settler and In the Blood. TV: “The Knick” (HBO). Bonita is a voiceover artist and can be heard on film, podcasts, commercials and animated series. Many Thanks to God, my family, Dr. Tommie (Tonea) Stewart, My husband Neil Caesar and our lovely children Nia and Noah. https://www.bonitahamilton.com/

Robb is overjoyed to return to The Lion King, having previously appeared in the 1st National, North American and Las Vegas companies. Broadway: Wicked (Boq), Shrek (Pinocchio). Off-Broadway: Happiness (Lincoln Center), Enter Laughing (cast recording), Disaster!, Zanna, Don’t! (cast recording), Johnny Guitar (cast recording). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed, The MUNY, Music Theatre Wichita, Syracuse Stage, Barrington Stage Company, Bristol Riverside, ACT of CT, Ogunquit Playhouse. Other: Saturday Night Fever (1st National Tour). Robb holds a BFA from Syracuse University.

Donovan Louis Bazemore (Young Simba at certain performances). This PA native is thrilled to be returning to the Pridelands! Broadway: The Lion King, National Tour: The Lion King Rafiki Tour, Regional: Ragtime (Arden Theatre), Rachel (Quintessence Theatre), The Snowy Day (Arden Theatre). TV: “Survival of the Thickest,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” “The Last O.G.” Donovan is grateful for his amazing family and his team at CESD and Mara Entertainment LLC. Love to Grandmom Pearl. IG: dlbaze_theactorofficial

Ava Hailey Harris (Young Nala at certain Performances) is making her Broadway debut. She is a company member at the The Pointe! Company & Technique Conservatory where she trains in the performing arts. Ava thanks her family and village of supporters for everlasting prayers that remain and the opportunity to express her talents graced by God.

Davis Matthews (Young Simba at certain performances) is excited to make his Broadway debut! He started performing at the age of 6 with White Plains Performing Arts Center. He’s also performed at Sandbox Theater and Random Farms Kids Theater in NY. He thanks God for this amazing opportunity, his family, friends & Gill Talent Group. Let’s Gooo! @iamdavismatthews

Jillian Paige Platero (Young Nala at certain Performances). Broadway Debut! From NJ Pageants to Broadway. Jillian loves the stage and has been performing since age 5. Thank you for believing in me Binder Casting, Leorah Haberfield of Bohemia Group, Stewart Talent Agency, Amelia Demayo & DMO. Love to my family… dreamz come true. Proud Latina! @jillianpaige_dreamz

Off-Broadway: This Ain’t No Disco (ATC), Spamilton (Swing/ Dance Captain). Regional: Pittsburgh CLO; Aida, South Pacific. Cameron thanks his “Wonder Woman” (mom) and everyone at The Mine. Go Blue! IG: i.amandus

Overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut! Regional: Ragtime, Big River, Beauty and the Beast. Thank God for blessing me with this opportunity and to all my friends and family who’ve supported me along the way.  IG: King_Ezekiela #invictus

Regional premiere of Kander & Ebb’s Scottsboro Boys. THE LION KING Las Vegas. Nat’l tours: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New York: Showboat (Carnegie Hall), Godspell (workshop), Disney’s High School Musical 2, Respect (NYSAF); TV: CBS “My Broadway Debut.” University of Michigan.

India is excited to be making her Broadway debut! Graduate: Ailey/Fordham BFA. Experience: NBA Brooklyn Nets, Elisa Monte and Balance Dance Theatre. Television: ABC’s “GMA” and PIX 11 News. Film: The Other Woman (Dir. Nick Cassavettes). Much love and thanks to my family and friends.

Lindiwe Dlamini, an original cast member, has appeared in Sarafina! (Broadway and national tour). Performances: Radio City Music Hall, Pocahontas in Central Park, Grover Washington, “Arsenio,” “David Letterman,” “Jay Leno,” 1998 Tony Awards® and Essence Awards.

Gilbert is making his Broadway Debut! Regional credits include: The Muny, Steppenwolf, Yale Rep. Gilbert is grateful to God for every opportunity to do what he loves, and to his family and friends for their unending support!

Zinhle was born in Durban South Africa. She has worked with many South African artists. In 2010 she won pop stars South Africa formed a group called Nne-vida. In 2013 she joined The Lion King UK tour. In 2016 she joined The Lion King London cast. In 2017 she performed with Elton John at the Evening Standard Awards.

Bongi Duma was born in Durban, South Africa. Credits: Africa Africa; Mighty Zulu Nation across England, Italy and Ireland. Composer: Generations (Drama Desk Nom.). Thanks to African heroes Ian Sotrey, Duma Ndlovu, Lebo M and my beautiful Mother. Original cast,The Lion King (Germany).

Angelica Edwards is making her Broadway debut. She has danced with Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Kevin Iega Jeff/Deeply Rooted and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, and received her BFA from Ohio State University. She thanks God.

This adorable, middle-aged man has been in multiple companies of The Lion King. Seen in many Film /TV roles, you may recognize Jim as “that short guy from that show”. He is the Producer of the hit, comedy podcast: “Dear Pod” and is married to standup comedian and goodtime gal, Erin Maguire. Follow him on Instagram @callmejimferris. He desperately needs the numbers

ROSIE LANI FIEDELMAN (Ensemble) hails from Breckenridge, CO. She was in the original Off-Broadway and Broadway company of In The Heights. Other theater credits include Heat-Wave: The Jack Cole Project; ADM21 and Ghost Dancer, as “Rosario”. Film and Television credits include: “Fosse/Verdon” and “Raising Dion.”

IG: @Lokelani9 Twitter: @RosieLani

Shawn Alynda Fisher (Ensemble). Broadway debut! National Tours: Fela!; The Prom (1st National). Favorite Regional: Chicago, The Music Man (Zaneeta), Anne of Green Gables, Bring it On (world premiere). A Kansas native. Alumna of The Ailey School and Kansas State University. Endless gratitude to Jesus, family and friends! Matthew 5:16

A Bronx native. Paige is graduate of Ailey/Fordham BFA. She is a Princess Grace Award recipient (2016) and Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” (2017). Dance Companies: AileyII, Visceral Dance Chicago and Deeply Rooted. TV/Commercial: Intel, ESPN, Elle Magazine, Empire (FOX). Theatre: West Side Story (Lyric Opera) and The Lion King Rafiki Tour. She is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut in The Lion King. IG: @lovingthispaige. www.paigefraser.net

Originally from Bowie, MD, Daniel graduated from the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program and performed extensively across the U.S. and abroad with the Ailey company for ten years. He has worked with Debbie Allen, Donald McKayle, Christopher L. Huggins and Camille A. Brown.

Born in the West Indies, Michael earned a Theatre degree from Penn State University. Broadway: The Lion King. International Tours: Hair. Regional: Once on This Island, Chess. Film and TV: “For the People.”

Dancer/Choreographer: Tituss Burgess, Billboard, Netflix. NYC/Regional Theater: A Chorus Line (Richie), Legally Blonde (Warner), Hairspray (Seaweed), Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Take Me to the World (Carnegie Hall), Silueta: A New Musical (Ian). TV: “POSE.” Founder of TFC Training @thefitcreative__ @tfctraining

Debut. Cleveland, Ohio native. Credits: Ain’t Too Proud, Book of Mormon, Lin Manuel’s 21 Chump Street, Youth in Passing Strange and Jackie in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party. Training: Baldwin Wallace Conservatory. @ton1942 #MAKTUB #REDBALLON

Broadway: Tarzan, Jumpers. National Tour: The Lion King. Off-Broadway: Fuerza Bruta, De La Guarda. TV: “Law & Order,” “Sex and the City,” “Guiding Light,” “Hawaii Five-O.” Regional: The Wilma, Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh CLO, Great Lakes Theatre Festival. BFA, Carnegie Mellon. Michael starred as Niko Bellic in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV. Love to my wife Angela and our little cubs Max and Eva.

Los Angeles, CA native, Broadway debut! BA: Fordham University. M.S.Ed.: University of Pennsylvania. 2008 Lorna Strassler Award. Glory to God. Thanks to my family and friends for your support. I love you Aaron, Jack Major, Action Major, Shine Major and Christmas.  @firstcomeslovetcm

Amanda Kunene is an South African singer, actress and performer. Born in Durban, South Africa. BA Music and Drama Studies graduate and BA Honors in Music Performance graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College campus.

Born and raised in Durban, South Africa. Has a profound passion for music. Acclaimed for successfully producing a debut album sung in French, Zulu and Creole. Ideal: No level of satisfaction.

DAPHNE MARCELLE LEE (Ensemble). Broadway debut! Graduate: Hollins University, MFA. Ailey/Fordham, BFA. Television: “Wutang: An American Saga” (Hulu). Credits: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Collage Dance Collective, Ailey II. Thanks God, family and friends. In memory of mom, June Skeete-Lee. IG: Daphne732. www.daphnemlee.com

Cincinnati, OH native. Dance: Charlotte Ballet, Chautauqua Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, DCDC. Broadway: The Lion King, original cast of The Lion King Las Vegas. Regional: Oklahoma! (Dream Jud). TV: The Emmy Awards, “Dancing with the Stars.” Instagram/Twitter @Jaysinmc

Ray Mercer, an Omaha, NE, native, comes directly from The Lion King Cheetah tour. Danced with Deeply Rooted/Chicago and George Faison and has toured with Aretha Franklin. Thanks to family and friends for their love and support.

Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (Swing). A native of Silver Spring, MD, Phylicia is ecstatic to be back in the Pridelands. BFA Elon University (MT15.) Credits: Lydia and the Troll (Lydia), Parade, Ragtime, All Shook Up, Rent, Into the Woods. In loving memory of Simon Mpasi. For Ma Talamaku. Love to LT 10! Beto Bayayi! Proverbs 4:23. IG/Twitter:@phyliciapearl

S’bu Ngema, from South Africa, Zululand, is very excited to join The Lion King on tour. Credits: The Lion King (Broadway), Sarafina with M’Bongeni Ngema, I Pintombi with Bertha Egnos. His performances are dedicated to his late mom, mother Sibongile and his 2 beautiful children Owami & Sangiwe. Love always.

Nhlanhla is an actor, voice over artist, song writer and singer with 10 years backing vocalist experience. He’s multilingual and performed on numerous international stages. 2013-2014 he was in The Lion King Brazil cast.

Nteliseng is honored to be making her Broadway debut and joins directly from the Hamburg company of The Lion King. Other credits include Miriam Makeba in The Journey (Zurich), Brenda Fassie in Memeba (Johannesburg) and I’m African (Welkom).

Isio-Maya Nuwere (Ensemble). Elated to make her Broadway debut! Hailing from Queens, NY, Isio-Maya trained at The Ailey School, Harlem School of the Arts and NYU Tisch. With credits ranging from various avenues of arts and entertainment, Isio-Maya is forever thankful to God, family and friends for their unwavering support. @Isio.Maya www.isiomaya.com

Credits: The Lion King (Gazelle and Cheetah companies), AIDA (Aida), RENT (Mimi & Joanne Cover), Ain’t Misbehavin (Charlaine), The Wiz (Dorothy), Once on this Island (Andrea), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (National Tour). @Jacquelineorene

Broadway debut! Nat’l tour: The Lion King, Something Rotten! (Ensemble, u/s Bea) Regional Favorites: Ragtime (Actor’s Playhouse), Pirates of Penzance (freeFall Theatre). TV: “The Vampire Diaries”, “Red Band Society”. FSU grad. Endless gratitude to my family. Instagram: @kseckel

Overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut with The Lion King. Companies: The Lion King Las Vegas and North American tour (Gazelle), Washington Reflection Dance Company, National Ballet of San Domingo. I would like to thank my parents, family, and friends for their constant and overflowing prayers and support! Peace and Love!

Kellen is excited to be reunited with his Lion King Family. Credits: The Lion King (Broadway, Las Vegas, and National Tour), Franco Dragone’s Le Reve, and Cirque Du Soleil’s Viva Elvis. Mahalo to my family and friends for all the love and support!

Credits: BET’s “BMF Tonesa Welch” (Supporting), NBC “Law & Order” (Principal), “American Horror Story” (Gueststar). Public Theater: As You Like it (Andy US), A Wonderful World (Banjo Ben), The Lion King Broadway Tour, Caroline or Change (Original Jackie Thibadeaux). Modeling Clients include Charlie by MZ, OOFOS, Doordash, Brooklyn Brewery. Managed by The SquarePeg Group / Instagram: KevinRTate 

Theatre credits: Movin’ Out (West End, U.S. national tour), The King and I (Eliza, U.S. national tour). Dance companies: Martha Graham Dance Company, Elisa Monte Dance, Ballet Hispanico. Broadway debut: The Lion King.

Broadway debut! Native of Baltimore. Dance companies include Chicago’s Hubbard Street 2 and Dance Works (dir. Julie Nakagawa Bottcher). Original cast of The Lion King (Las Vegas). Thanks to God, family and friends for love and support.

JAMES VESSELL (Ensemble). Broadway debut! Credits: Chicago 25th Anniversary Tour, Memphis the Musical and Dreamgirls (POTS). Dancer with Ballet Memphis and Tallahassee Ballet. Wayne State University; BFA dance major. Endless thanks to my family, my partner, and the HK Agency! Instagram: @thejamesvessell

Marcus Williams(Ensemble). Dallas, TX native making his Broadway debut! He was in the Emmy-Winning cast of The Let Go at the Park Avenue Armory and a previous company member with Phantom of the Opera (World Tour), Ailey II, Philadanco and Fire Shut Up in My Bones (MET Opera and Chicago Lyric Theatre). Williams thanks God, family and friends for helping him get here. IG: Marcus.N.Williams

Ecstatic to make her Broadway debut! Hailing from Chesapeake, Virginia, Sidney is a proud graduate of Governor’s School for the Arts, Elon University ’21 and the LINK program. Many thanks to God, family, friends, CGF, and all who have poured into her life.

B’way: Rent. Off-B’way: Oedipusat Palm Springs; The Immigrant; Hank Williams: Lost Highway; Love, Janis; Play Yourself; Homebody/Kabul. Tour: It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues. International tour: Biennale-Bonn, Germany; Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland; deSingel Theatre, Antwerp. For Jack and Anna always.

B’way: The Color Purple, Curtains. Off-B’way: Five Course Love, The Immigrant , Eyewitness Blues, Golf the Musical, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Finder’s Fee, Right You Are. Tour: The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Anything Goes. Regional: Studio Arena and Little Theatre on the Square.

Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. National tours: Frozen (first national), A Bronx Tale the Musical (first national). Off-Broadway: Jersey Boys, Little Rock. Regional: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Curvy Widow; Bad Jews.

Trained at the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne and toured extensively in Australia and North America before settling in NYC. Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, King Kong, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Other credits include An Iliad with Denis O’Hare, Ernest Shackleton Loves Me, and The Karate Kid.

National Tours: The Lion King (since 2004), Bring in ’da Noise…., Cinderella; Jekyll & Hyde; Annie 20th Anniversary Tour. Broadway: DamnYankees!, Arcadia, The Red Shoes, A Christmas Carol, Annie (ACM), Jekyll & Hyde (ACM), Off-Broadway: Cowgirls. Proud member of AEA & IATSE. Love to Molly & Rebecca.